Turning in Work for Virtual Learning

Hearing again about a student who has just failed the first marking period in school, due to not turning in work, has almost hit epidemic proportions. This was a challenge for many students as soon as computers became part of the classroom. The move to remote learning has added considerably to the problem.

I was recently told by a parent of a straight A student, who failed for the 1st time, that 30% of her child’s grade level in a middle school failed the first marking period - Unacceptable.
Here are some ideas for lessening that work turn in problem. I am just ‘spit balling’ here. If you have an idea be sure to add it in the comments.

Students Can:

• Create a screensaver that says TURN IN YOUR WORK! HAVE YOU TURNED IN YOUR WORK TODAY? SUBMIT DON’T QUIT! GIVE YOUR TEACHER THEIR HOMEWORK!!
• If they have a phone they can set a reminder on that.
• They can buddy up with a friend to remind each other.
• Use Post It Notes around their work space.
• If possible link a sound to the submit button (Technology is not my love language)
• Use a wipe board with all assignments listed by day - when it is submitted it is erased or ‘X’ out.

Parents Can:

• Ask to see the submitted work.
• Learn how to use the schools reporting system.
• Check the teacher reporting system DAILY.
• Set a reminder on your phone/watch.
• Use Post It Notes around your work space.
• Ask to see the submitted work.

Teachers Can:

• Make sure that every parent understands how to check digitally on their student.
• Send a Bcc email to parents simply stating ‘Your child is missing work’ daily -
  please check Canvas, Google Classroom, whatever.
• If you work in a team have one person a day that sends the Bcc email.
• Play music and have a virtual dance party while assignments are being handed in.
• Give time during class to work on homework. Have them submit what they have done before they leave.
• Have the student’s create a HW RAP they can perform while collecting assignments.
• Give BREAKS at the beginning, middle and end of every class.

Endless screen time is so draining. Let’s be kind to each other-working together we can make
this work. 

Be sure to post what is working for you in the comments.